Blood donation opportunities with American Red Cross & Dunkin’ Donuts

January 5 - January 31

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The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to make a donation appointment now and help save patient lives.

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. Nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel in December, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.

“Blood and platelet donations are critically needed in the coming days so that patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they are counting on,” said Nick Gehrig, communications director, Red Cross Blood Services. “We encourage donors to invite a family member or friend to donate with them to help meet patient needs. Right now, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.”

Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up during National Blood Donor Month for the “Give Blood, Give Hope!” campaign, which provides a Dunkin’ Donuts coupon for a free Medium Hot Coffee and a free classic donut* to all presenting donors at select Red Cross blood drives and donation centers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January to not only honor blood and platelet donors, but also to help increase donations during the winter months. Maintaining a sufficient blood supply for patients is difficult at this time of year because extreme winter weather and seasonal illnesses often impact donor turnout.

“The ‘Give Blood, Give Hope!’ campaign helps the Red Cross increase blood collections so that we can provide blood to hospital patients where and when it is needed,” said Tonya Peters, interim director of Donor Recruitment for the Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region. “This program reflects Dunkin’ Donuts’ commitment to the communities. We are tremendously grateful for Dunkin’ Donuts and our volunteer blood donors for their ongoing dedication to our lifesaving mission. All eligible donors are encouraged to donate blood to help patients in need and as a special thank you they will receive a coupon for a free medium hot coffee and a free classic donut.”

“Dunkin’ Donuts is honored to partner with the Red Cross to offer the ‘Give Blood, Give Hope!’ campaign,” said Jackie Keown, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’ Brands. “We hope that by offering this coupon, more blood donors will be motivated to support the Red Cross to help save lives.”

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 years running. The company has more than 12,000 restaurants in 45 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.